Puerto Plata embraces new airline route to Puerto Rico

Puerto Plata.- Tourism entities in the Northern region are set to promote the latest route offered by Silver Airways, which now provides two weekly flights between San Juan and Puerto Plata.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), the Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster (CTDPP), alongside various associations and hotels in the Puerto Plata destination, will host a roadshow in Ponce and San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 21 and 22, 2024, to bolster awareness of the Dominican North coast.

Birgitt Heinsen, president of CTDPP, highlighted the objective of supporting the new route and announced the participation of several prominent establishments including Blue Jack Tar, Amhsa Marina Hotels & Resorts, VH Hotels & Resorts, Viva Resort by Wyndham, Emotions by Hodelpa, Marien Puerto Plata, and Hospitality Management Solutions.

Heinsen emphasized the historical and close connections, both in tourism and commerce, between Puerto Rico and Puerto Plata, underscoring the importance of promotional efforts in this market.

“The destination presentations for travel agents will include an educational webinar and a familiarization trip, aiming to stimulate demand for the diverse tourist offerings in Puerto Plata and the surrounding region,” Heinsen elaborated.

He expressed gratitude to Mitur, as well as to Aida Virginia Martínez of the Tourism Promotion Office (OPT) of the Dominican Republic in Puerto Rico, and Atahualpa Paulino of the Northern Regional office, for their collaboration in this and other initiatives spearheaded by the private sector in Puerto Plata, aimed at enhancing tourism growth and sustainability.

Abinader and Collado inaugurate projects in the Colonial City

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado inaugurated the renovated Las Damas Street and the Santo Domingo Fortress Museum today as part of the ongoing efforts within the Comprehensive Tourism and Urban Development Program of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo (PIDTUCCSD) or Colonial City Revitalization Program. Of the twenty projects comprising the Colonial City Program, the president and the Minister of Tourism unveiled these two revitalized works during their visit to the historic center.

Under the Prioritized Streets Rehabilitation Project, Las Damas Street was officially opened, extending from Plaza Pellerano Castro to Plaza Reloj de Sol, spanning a length of 456 meters. The street underwent a complete renovation, including the installation of new pavement with concrete slabs, transforming it into a unified platform area between sidewalks and streets to ensure safe mobility for all users. Additionally, the drinking water network and connections to residences and businesses were replaced, and the sanitary drainage was separated from storm drainage. Podotactile signs were incorporated into the pavement to guide disabled individuals safely, and the use of paving stones helped reduce the street’s temperature by 33 percent.

As part of the Revitalization and Architectural Adaptation of Museums Project, President Abinader and Minister Collado inaugurated the Santo Domingo Fortress Museum, also known as Fortaleza Ozama, which received new and modern museographic content. The intervention aimed to enhance the value of this historic monument through three main areas of work. Firstly, there was an architectural enhancement of its infrastructure, incorporating new energy generation and climate adaptation systems. Secondly, a museum project focusing on the Tower of Tribute was implemented to highlight its role in the Dominican Republic’s history. Lastly, immersive experiences were introduced, featuring audiovisual and technological resources across three scenarios showcasing the country’s cultural, ethnic, and landscape richness, celebrating Dominican identity.

The enhancements at the Santo Domingo Fortress Museum will expand its museum offerings for visitors, greatly impacting the Colonial City.

The Revitalization and Architectural Adaptation of the Museums Project aims to restore the four most emblematic museums of the Colonial City: the Cathedral Museum, the Don Diego Colón Viceregal Palace or the Alcázar de Colón Museum, and the Museum of the Royal Houses, in addition to the Santo Domingo Fortress.

During the event, President Abinader reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the preservation of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo and the promotion of its cultural heritage as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Minister Collado emphasized that the interventions in the Colonial City have always been a priority in his agenda, aiming to not only restore the historic center but also strengthen historical and cultural tourism offerings, making them more competitive.

President Abinader and Minister Collado were accompanied by Minister of Culture Milagros Germán, Mayor of the National District Carolina Mejía, IDB Group’s Representative Katharina Falkner-Olmedo, EU Ambassador Katja Afheldt, and Program Coordinating Unit’s General Coordinator Amín Abel Santos.

The Colonial City Revitalization Program is financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and co-financed by the European Union. It aims to revitalize the Colonial City in urban, economic, and cultural tourism aspects, executed by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of the National District (ADN) and the Ministry of Culture (MINC). The program consists of approximately twenty ongoing projects aimed at revitalizing public spaces and historical monuments, improving living conditions for residents, fostering local economic development, and strengthening the management of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.

Las Terrenas implements regulations for Holy Week festivities

Las Terrenas, Samaná.- The Mayor’s Office of Las Terrenas announced on Wednesday that certain activities will be prohibited during Holy Week 2024, including clandestine parties, noisy vehicles, and the setting up of tents.

Mayor Eduardo Esteban Polanco stated in a press conference that only two traditional events will be permitted during the holiday: one in front of Las Cayenas at Playa Las Ballenas and the other at Bonche Las Terrenas.

He further elaborated that municipal residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy three days of free artistic performances on Punta Popi beach, with the event schedule set to be released soon. During this time, parking will not be allowed on Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó Street (Las Ballenas Beach), and vehicles or motorcycles causing excessive noise due to modifications will be impounded.

However, the installation of mobile booths in support of local merchants will be permitted at Punta Popi and Playa Calolima, subject to written permission from the Mayor’s Office. Public parking facilities will be available for visitors at the site.

Las Terrenas is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists, particularly during Holy Week, owing to its diverse entertainment activities.

However, despite the benefits brought by the influx of visitors, concerns remain about maintaining cleanliness in the area. Mayor Polanco emphasized the need for organization and responsible stewardship of visited locations to ensure their preservation.

Venezuelan chambers in Dominican Republic and USA sign collaboration pact

Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce and the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce of the USA have entered into a collaboration agreement aimed at enhancing commercial relations between the two organizations.

The agreement, signed by Luis Enrique Meneses, President of CADOVEN, and Christian Monahan, representing the VACC, aims to foster commercial ties and streamline financial support. The signing took place during a business seminar held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Capital City.

The seminar featured three prominent professionals from the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce of the USA: Morella Salazar, a renowned lawyer specializing in immigration issues; Christian Monahan, an expert in tax services and international and local tax advice; and Enrique Urdaneta, an expert real estate consultant.

Salazar delivered a detailed presentation on the challenges and opportunities in the immigration process to the United States, emphasizing key legal strategies for businessmen, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

Monahan shared insights into tax strategies for residents of the Dominican Republic and future tax residents in the United States.

Meanwhile, Urdaneta provided valuable perspectives on the international real estate sector and investment opportunities in the current market. Leveraging his experience, he offered a comprehensive view of successful strategies for real estate transactions on a global scale.

The event, attended by a wide array of businessmen and professionals from various sectors of the national economy, was marked by an enriching exchange of ideas and the opportunity to learn from experts in entrepreneurship and international business.

Leading the event, Luis Meneses, President of CADOVEN, announced that both chambers have scheduled a forthcoming meeting in April in the city of Miami to present investment and business opportunities in the Dominican Republic.

Santiago to host FIFA Women’s World Cup

Santiago, DR.- During the unveiling of the Santiago Tourist Bureau initiatives and the Visit Santiago promotion platform at the León Center, President Luis Abinader made significant announcements. He revealed that the province would host the Women’s FIFA World Cup in the third quarter of this year and projected that by 2026, the Central American Games would take place in this tourist destination.

You may be interested in reading: Boosting tourism: Visit Santiago and Santiago Turístico Bureau launch

Among other initiatives outlined by the president is the establishment of the Don Alejandro Grullón Museum in Santiago, located within the Inposdom facilities and sponsored by Banco Popular. Additionally, he mentioned the transformation of the Hotel Mercedes into a cultural center managed by Banreservas.

President Abinader emphasized Santiago’s institutional strength as a foundation for promoting tourism development. He highlighted the city’s rich history in industries such as tobacco, rum, and healthcare, envisioning a future where Santiago-Puerto Plata becomes a major metropolitan area connected by the Ámbar highway.

Engineer Manuel Estella, a founding partner of Visit Santiago, and Ramón Paulino, president of the Santiago Tourism Cluster, praised the support of the Dominican Government and the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) in advancing Santiago as a premier tourist destination.

The event was attended by Vice President Raquel Peña, First Lady Raquel Arbaje, Presidency Minister Joel Santos, Tourism Minister David Collado, Melany Rodríguez, President of Visit Santiago, Fernando Capellán, and other executives.

Boosting tourism: Visit Santiago and Santiago Turístico Bureau launch

Santiago, DR.- President Luis Abinader led the official introduction of two pivotal initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in Santiago: the Santiago Turístico Bureau and the Visit Santiago promotion platform.

Fernando Capellán, head of the Association for the Development of Santiago (APEDI), underscored the collaborative efforts of both the private sector and the government in Santiago’s growth, emphasizing the vital role these new platforms play in promoting tourism within the city.

Ramón Paulino, leader of the Santiago Tourism Cluster, emphasized the significance of sector-wide unity and the launch of these initiatives, which fill a void in the city’s tourism promotion efforts by attracting diverse tourism and enriching the local offerings.

Manuel Estella, a founding partner of Visit Santiago, provided insight into the platform’s inception, focusing on sustainable tourism development in Santiago and adapting successful MICE tourism and event models to the city’s context.

Melany Rodríguez González, president of both the Santiago Turístico Bureau and Visit Santiago, highlighted the objective of positioning Santiago as a premier destination for events and conferences, underscoring the project’s importance for the city.

Brand expert Andy Stalman shared insights from city branding studies for Santiago, emphasizing the growth opportunities this strategy offers for the dynamic and multifaceted city.

The signing of a public-private collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and the Santiago Turístico Bureau marked a significant milestone in government support for these tourism development endeavors.

President Abinader unveiled plans for significant sporting and cultural events scheduled to take place in Santiago in the coming years, along with urban development projects aimed at enhancing the city’s tourism offerings.

The presentation concluded with a video showcasing the benefits of Santiago and the Visit Santiago platform, followed by an emotionally charged performance of “Santiago en Coche” by Maridalia Hernández.

This event signifies a historic moment in Santiago’s tourism promotion efforts, reflecting the unified commitment of the government, private sector, and civil society toward developing and promoting the city as a top-tier tourist destination.

Arajet’s budget-friendly ‘Vuelatón’ to explore Central America

Santo Domingo.- Arajet, renowned as the budget-friendly airline of the Caribbean, has earned recognition at the world aviation summit as the premier new airline globally. True to its mission of democratizing air travel across the continent, Arajet is doubling down on its commitment to offering affordable flights, unveiling its much-anticipated “Vuelatón” promotion tailored exclusively for exploring its Central American destinations.

In a recent press release, the airline announced that this promotional event would enable travelers to secure tickets starting from $177 (or equivalent in local currency), inclusive of taxes and fees. This unbeatable offer will be available for four consecutive days, from March 18 to 20.

Victor Pacheco Mendez, the visionary CEO and founder of Arajet, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to extend an extraordinary rate, ensuring that everyone can experience the wonders of Central America within our network.” He emphasized, “With Vuelatón, there are no barriers to embarking on enriching journeys to Guatemala, El Salvador, or Costa Rica. Visit www.Arajet.com and seize this unparalleled opportunity, unmatched by any other offer in the market.”

The promotion features a limited number of discounted seats applicable to all Central American destinations, with travel dates available until December 31, 2024. The promotional rate pertains to the Smart package. For further details, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.arajet.com.

Punta Cana: a top choice for Colombians during Easter

Colombia.- David Alemán, Avianca’s Sales Director for Colombia and South America, has shared insights into the most sought-after destinations by Colombians for the upcoming Easter season, with a noticeable preference for Caribbean locales.

“Coastal and beach destinations tend to be the top choices for everyone, with the Caribbean destinations like Punta Cana, Aruba, or Curacao being particularly popular,” he remarked.

Moreover, Alemán highlighted that European, American, and Ecuadorian destinations are also in high demand, including cities like Madrid, Barcelona, New York, Miami, and Orlando. “In Ecuador, Quito, Guayaquil, and the Galapagos Islands are among the favorites,” he added.

Alemán further noted that within Colombia, cities such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta are among the most requested destinations.

“All these destinations are covered by Avianca,” he affirmed to REPORTUR.co.

Additionally, he mentioned that Avianca will be operating approximately 4,000 flights during the Easter season, offering a total of 1.4 million seats from Friday, March 22, until April 1.

ProCibao 2024: economic potential for the Northern Region

Santiago, DR.- Amidst an atmosphere brimming with innovation and potential, ProCibao 2024 is set to revolutionize the business landscape of the Northern Region of the Dominican Republic. Scheduled from April 10 to 12, 2024, at the UTESA Dominican Culture and Convention Center in Santiago, this event will unite exporters, buyers, and investors in a space dedicated to fostering exchange and growth.

ProCibao is meticulously crafted to showcase the economic prowess of Santiago and the broader northern region of the country. This groundbreaking initiative aims to ignite economic and commercial expansion in the area, paving the way for new international ventures.

Over three immersive days, attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring networking sessions, conferences, panel discussions, exhibitions, and unparalleled investment prospects.

“We envisioned a platform where international investors and traders could witness the local production geared towards global markets, fostering enduring partnerships,” remarked Carlos Iglesias, President of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and Production.

“The Chamber sought to spotlight Santiago on both national and international stages, recognizing its potential to emerge as a significant investment hub,” Iglesias added.

Organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santiago, ProDominicana, Corporación Zona Franca de Santiago, and the Association of Industrialists of the Northern Region (AIREN), this event is driven by a clear objective: to propel the Northern Region towards fresh business frontiers, creating a vibrant ecosystem where ideas materialize into reality and connections evolve into golden opportunities, as articulated by Fernando Puig, Executive Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santiago.

The Northern Region, often referred to as Cibao, serves as the economic and commercial powerhouse of the Dominican Republic, boasting globally recognized tourist destinations and a flourishing agricultural sector encompassing crops like cocoa, coffee, tobacco, and bananas, which play a pivotal role in the country’s economic advancement.

Moreover, it hosts significant industrial zones, notably the city of Santiago, where manufacturing and textile enterprises make substantial contributions to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Benefitting from its strategic location and well-developed infrastructure, the Northern Region also serves as a crucial logistics and transportation hub, with the port of Puerto Plata playing a central role in maritime trade. Additionally, the region enjoys robust logistics connections, linking it seamlessly with the global market.

The Northern Region pulsates with economic vitality, and ProCibao 2024 will serve as an ideal platform to explore its vast potential and forge new pathways to prosperity.

Airfare costs: main obstacle to Dominican tourism

Santo Domingo.- The tourism sector in the Dominican Republic, while celebrating a significant milestone in February 2024 with a record-breaking 1,057,216 visitors, confronts pressing challenges requiring immediate attention.

Foremost among these challenges, as identified by officials, is the issue of air connectivity and the associated high cost of airfares. Despite a notable surge in visitor arrivals by air, totaling 755,832 in February alone, the prohibitive expense of flights remains a deterrent for many potential travelers. Tourism Minister David Collado underscored the urgency of addressing this matter to ensure sustainable growth within the tourism industry.

A second critical challenge revolves around the shortage of hotel accommodations. With demand on the rise, the country requires approximately 30,000 additional rooms to adequately cater to tourists. While around 16,000 rooms are currently under construction, representing a $9,000 million investment, there remains much ground to cover in bridging this gap and providing a quality lodging experience for all visitors.

An analysis of travel motivations in February 2024 reveals a diverse array of activities enticing visitors to the country. Sports tourism, at 4.4%, visiting friends (4.5%), business trips (4.4%), weddings (4.3%), and medical consultations (4.4%) emerge as some of the primary reasons for travel to the Dominican Republic during this period.

Despite the outlined challenges, Dominican tourism continues to exhibit resilience and allure. Collado expressed optimism regarding the sector’s future, citing ongoing growth in tourist arrivals and projecting a year-end total of over 11 million visitors.

In addition to these challenges, significant shifts are occurring within Dominican tourism, as reported by El Caribe.

In terms of air connectivity, February 2024 witnessed a total of 5,873 flights recorded in Dominican airspace, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This uptick in air activity underscores the critical need to address ticket costs and enhance air accessibility as top priorities in fortifying the country’s tourism sector.

Caribbean tourism: international traveler arrivals surged in 2023

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), international traveler arrivals to the Caribbean region surged by 14.3% in 2023, indicating a positive trend in the sector’s recovery.

CTO Secretary-General, Dona Regis-Prosper, attributed this growth to the sustained demand for travel from the United States, the Caribbean’s largest source market, and the enhanced tourism infrastructure across destinations.

Regis-Prosper highlighted that strategic marketing efforts and increased air transport capacity also contributed to the rise in arrivals, although the distribution varied among destinations.

The total tourist visits reached approximately 32.2 million, marking an increase of around four million compared to 2022. Moreover, the Caribbean surpassed pre-pandemic arrival levels by a modest 0.8%.

Regis-Prosper further noted that eleven destinations, including the Dominican Republic, Anguilla, Aruba, Curacao, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the US Virgin Islands, moderately exceeded their 2019 reference figures.

He projected that about 16.3 million arrivals to the region would originate from the United States in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 12.7%. Additionally, the Canadian market experienced significant growth, with approximately three million visits recorded by Canadian tourists by the year’s end, marking a 46.1% increase compared to 2022. Regis-Prosper attributed this growth to the improved air service connecting major Canadian cities to Caribbean destinations.

However, arrivals from Europe remained stagnant, with a total of approximately 5.2 million trips, while arrivals from South America increased by 14%, totaling 1.7 million trips, as reported by EFE.

Tourist arrivals to the Dominican Republic soar 19% in February

Santo Domingo – This was announced this Thursday by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, during an innovative podcast while presenting the industry’s results for February of this year at the institution’s headquarters.

He reported that the country received 755,832 tourists by air alone in February, which represents a growth of 14 percent more than in the same month last year, 33% in 2022, and 25% in 2019.

Collado said this remarkable growth was also registered by sea, with the February visit of 301,384 cruise passengers. The most significant largest number arrived through the port of Taino Bay, with 117,876 passengers; Amber Cove had 90,089, followed by La Romana with 69,136; Catalina Island with 10,153; and Santo Domingo with 2,016.

He noted that cruise passenger arrivals in February represented an increase of 19% over the same month last year, 208% over 2022, and 159% over 2019.

“Incredible. We broke our own records again. A 1,057,216 visitors in the month of February alone,” the minister highlighted.

The arrival of non-resident tourists by air was 59.7% through Punta Cana airport, 21% through Las Americas (AILA), and 9.5% through Cibao.

Collado predicted that the country will receive more than 11 million visitors by the end of the year.

He predicted this year would be the best winter season in the DR’s tourism history.

Fishing docks inaugurated in Río San Juan and Cabrera

María Trinidad Sánchez, DR.– President Luis Abinader inaugurated the Río San Juan and Cabrera fishing docks this Sunday, heralding the dawn of safer, more vibrant, and productive fishing endeavors while offering fresh prospects for local tourism.

These docks stand as integral components of the National Plan for the Rehabilitation, Renovation, and Construction of Fishing Docks.

Addressing the gathering, President Abinader directed the Director of the Dominican Port Authority, Jean Luis Rodríguez, to collaborate with the municipal authorities in crafting a scenic viewpoint around the newly inaugurated dock area. This would serve as a recreational haven, fostering healthy leisure pursuits for families in the vicinity.

Expressing bewilderment at the prolonged absence of action in response to the longstanding demand for such facilities, President Abinader emphasized the essential role these docks play in redressing the needs of communities, particularly the fishermen of Río San Juan.

Highlighting ongoing and forthcoming projects in the municipality, including hospital reconstruction, Gri-Gri Lagoon intervention, and aqueduct enhancements, the President underscored the Government’s commitment to comprehensive development in the region.

The Río San Juan Tourist and Fishing Dock, a project awaited for over five decades, boasts the capacity to berth up to 200 vessels concurrently, featuring 70 docking areas tailored for various uses. This transformative initiative, realized through an investment of RD$183 million pesos, promises to revolutionize the fishing sector of Río San Juan and its environs, liberating fishermen from the arduous journey to Puerto Plata and Luperón for unloading their catches.

In a testament to persistence and dedication, the executive director of the Dominican Port Authority recounted the arduous journey toward actualizing this long-cherished aspiration, underscoring President Abinader’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling promises and effecting tangible change. The mayor of Río San Juan expressed gratitude to President Abinader for materializing this transformative endeavor, praising the Government’s role in advancing the municipality’s development agenda.

Simultaneously, the inauguration of the Cabrera fishing dock marked a milestone in the community’s history. Comprising two breakwaters and four walkways, this facility, long overdue for over two decades, provides enhanced conditions for fishermen to conduct their operations efficiently. With an investment of approximately RD$63 million pesos, this project symbolizes a paradigm shift towards safer, more dynamic, and productive fishing practices, realizing the aspirations of the Cabrera community.

Amidst accolades for the Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of citizens, the president of the Fishermen’s cooperative hailed the Cabrera pier as a fulfillment of a longstanding aspiration, echoing sentiments of gratitude echoed by the mayor of Cabrera for President Abinader’s steadfast support in catalyzing transformative development initiatives.

Universal Aviation and AERODOM launch executive aviation terminal in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, DR.- Universal Aviation and AERODOM officially launched the operations of the newly renovated executive aviation terminal at Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata. This terminal now joins Universal Aviation’s extensive global network of terminals, spanning over 30 countries in America and Europe.

“We are thrilled to commence operations at this renovated executive aviation terminal, which has been completely refurbished under Universal Aviation’s management model and standards. This will meet the expectations of our clients in the northern region of the country. Starting today, they will receive the same level of service that we provide worldwide. We sincerely thank the executives of Aerodom and Vinci Airports, particularly CEO Mónika Infante, for choosing Universal Aviation to operate this terminal. It will undoubtedly enhance the profile of Gregorio Luperón International Airport,” highlighted Danilo Rosario Jiménez, Director of Universal Aviation in the country.

The renovated terminal offers various amenities for user comfort, including exclusive concierge services, valet parking, Barista Café, buffet, signature menu for air catering, covered luggage carts, minivan transfers to the aircraft, and high-speed internet on the ramp.

“With the growing demand for world-class executive aviation services in the northern region and as part of Aerodom’s continuous improvement plan for airport infrastructure, we are delighted to commence Universal Aviation operations in this renovated terminal. Users can expect the same level of attention that Universal Aviation is known for in the countries where it operates,” stated Mónika Infante Henríquez, CEO of AERODOM.

The North coast of the country, encompassing destinations like Puerto Plata, La Isabela, Sosúa, Cabarete, Gaspar Hernández, Rio San Juan, and Cabrera, has experienced significant resurgence with the development of high-profile tourism projects such as Grupo Puntacana and new investments like Punta Bergantín, aiming to become a major hub for hospitality, business, and leisure in the area.

The opening ceremony was attended by Adolfo Aragón, VP of Universal Aviation, as well as Carlos Rodolí Conde, Fabien Gourdon, Carlos Núñez, and Luis José López, representing Aeropuertos Clúster Norte. Local authorities, including Provincial Governor Claritza Rochet de Senior, along with businessmen and hoteliers from the northern region, also graced the occasion.

This significant enhancement to FBO services by Universal Aviation aligns with the customer-focused vision shared by all airports within the VINCI Airports network.

Haiti unrest no impact on Dominican tourism: Collado

Santo Domingo.- Tourism Minister David Collado assured on Thursday that the situation in neighboring Haiti has not affected the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic.

“To this day, the unfortunate situation that our neighboring country of Haiti is going through has not affected the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic,” the official said.

While leading the presentation of the tourism sector’s results for February, Collado said that Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez is the one who has to respond about the airlift proposed by the United Nations (UN) to help Haiti.

It is recalled that the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, resigned from his position, amid the wave of violence in the Caribbean country, reported the President of Guyana and current President of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Irfaan Ali, after an extraordinary session on the situation in Haiti with representatives from several countries in Jamaica.

Former Haitian rebel leader Guy Philippe rejected the agreement of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which seeks to create a presidential council to lead a transition and hold elections in Haiti.

Philippe considered that “the international community, through Caricom, has decided to ridicule the Haitian people.”

Record numbers

According to the Minister of Tourism, 1,057,216 visitors arrived in the Dominican Republic in February, marking the figure as a “record.” Collado specified that 755,832 tourists came by air and 301,384 by cruise ship.

February: DR welcomes over 1 million visitors

Santo Domingo.-  The Dominican Republic has once again outstripped its own February benchmark, welcoming 1,057,216 visitors, marking a remarkable 19% increase.

This announcement was made by David Collado, the Minister of Tourism, during a recent podcast held at the institution’s headquarters where he presented the month’s industry outcomes.

Air arrivals accounted for 755,832 tourists in February alone, reflecting a 14% surge compared to the same period last year, and staggering growth rates of 33% and 25% when juxtaposed with 2022 and 2019 respectively.

The surge in arrivals extended to sea travel as well, with 301,384 cruise passengers gracing the Dominican ports in February. Taino Bay witnessed the highest footfall with 117,876 passengers, followed by Amber Cove with 90,089, La Romana with 69,136, Catalina Island with 10,153, and Santo Domingo with 2,016.

The influx of cruise passengers represents a significant 19% spike compared to the previous year, an astounding 208% surge over 2022, and an impressive 159% increase compared to 2019.

Minister Collado, visibly impressed, exclaimed, “Incredible. We’ve surpassed our own records yet again. 1,057,216 visitors in February alone.”

Punta Cana airport received the majority of non-resident tourists at 59.7%, followed by Las Américas (AILA) at 21%, and Cibao at 9.5%.

Collado optimistically projected that the country could anticipate more than 11 million visitors by year-end, forecasting the best winter season in the history of Dominican tourism.

Cabo Rojo’s second cruise arrives on April 8

Perdernales, DR.- After a period of silence in the province of Pedernales regarding the anticipated arrival of a cruise ship to Cabo Rojo following the inauguration of its port, Carnival Corporation has now confirmed that Holland America, one of its subsidiary companies, has scheduled a visit for April 8.

The selected vessel is the Nieuw Amsterdam, a signature-class cruise ship with a capacity for up to 2,106 visitors and 929 crew members.

David Candib, Vice President of Port Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, emphasized the company’s high regard for the Dominican Republic as a destination. He expressed the parent company’s interest in supporting and sending its ships to new destinations within the country, with Cabo Rojo being a key focus.

“Cabo Rojo is set to welcome a ship from Holland America, which is part of our corporation, in the coming days,” Candib announced.

While stating that the company currently has no plans to invest in another port in the Dominican Republic, he clarified that they are actively exploring new destinations in the country to continue sending their ships.

Arajet dominating with 77% of passengers among Dominican airlines

Santo Domingo.- Caribbean budget airline Arajet announced today that it carried 77% of the passengers on Dominican airlines in February, solidifying its position as the leading national airline. This achievement coincides with the commemoration of its second anniversary on March 14, during which Arajet has successfully established a robust network across the American continent, serving 23 routes in 16 countries.

The latest report from the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) revealed these statistics, underscoring Arajet’s significant leadership among national airlines. In February, Arajet transported 55,607 passengers, while SkyHigh Aviation secured a distant second place with 10,682 passengers, and Air Century ranked third with only 4,404 passengers.

Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO & Founder of Arajet, expressed gratitude to passengers who have chosen Arajet for their travels, allowing them to explore new experiences aboard the airline’s comfortable and modern aircraft.

“At Arajet, we are committed to consistently providing a service with the highest quality standards to fulfill our goal of democratizing the skies by connecting from the southern cone to North America,” said Pacheco Méndez.

Pacheco Méndez also emphasized that the official JAC figures should include passengers in transit or connections. According to the company’s calculations, this represents approximately 21,000 additional passengers, positioning Arajet as the second airline with the highest passenger traffic at Las Américas International Airport, surpassing even larger traditional airlines.

II Puerto Plata Business Forum draws over 300 businesses

Puerto Plata, DR.- The II Business Forum in Puerto Plata commenced with the enthusiastic participation of over 300 businesses, including 80 companies showcasing their offerings. Representatives from Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the Turks and Caicos Islands joined local authorities and chamber of commerce presidents for the event.

Hosted by the Puerto Plata Chamber of Commerce and Production in collaboration with the Puerto Plata Industrial France Zone Corporation, this initiative aims to spotlight the province’s business climate and investment prospects.

Mileyka Brugal, President of the Puerto Plata Chamber of Commerce and Production, emphasized the province’s upward trajectory, particularly in emerging as a frontrunner in cruise tourism within the country and the wider Caribbean region. She also underscored the resurgence of hotel investments, notably with the projects slated for Punta Bergantín.

The forum featured discussions on sustainability, insights from prominent businessmen and authorities, and panel sessions addressing pertinent topics in the business sphere. Additionally, Spanish products and high-quality Dominican artisanal goods were showcased to tap into diverse markets.

Brugal expressed gratitude for the presence of esteemed guests and the backing of sponsoring institutions and companies that facilitated the forum. Notable sponsors include the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Administrative Ministry of the Presidency, Pro Dominicana, General Directorate of Public Contracts, Blue JackTar, Casa Brugal, Arajet, Seguros Sura, and Cerveza Republika.

Puerto Plata entrepreneurs focus on boosting shopping tourism

Puerto Plata, DR.- Business leaders in Puerto Plata are advocating for the creation of an open-air shopping promenade to enhance the destination’s tourist offerings and attract a specific group of visitors known as “shopping lovers.”

Sixto Peralta, former president of the Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the potential of Puerto Plata to become a hub for fashion boutiques, gift shops, and national stores within an open-air pedestrian shopping area, similar to those found in other popular tourist cities.

Peralta emphasized the daily influx of over 17 thousand cruise passengers to Puerto Plata, underscoring the need to provide them with ample shopping opportunities. The proposal aims to tap into the shopping tourism market, a global niche that allows tourists to increase their daily spending.

Mileyka Brugal, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Puerto Plata and the Free Trade Zone Corporation, stressed the importance of attracting major commercial chains to invest in this type of business. She highlighted the availability of land in the historic center, suggesting it as an untapped resource for development.

Brugal pointed out that shopping tourism is a well-established niche globally, citing renowned destinations like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, V Avenue in New York, Patpong Night Market in Bangkok, and Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II in Milan as examples that draw visitors specifically for their shopping experiences.